HomeMy WebLinkAboutZoning Board Of Appeals - Minutes - 10/09/1986ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
October 9. 1986
Regular Meeting - 8:30 A.M.
Minutes
The regular meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals was held on Thursday,
October 9, 1986, in the Council Chambers of the City of Fort Collins City
Hall. Roll call was answered by Boardmembers Walker, Lieser, Barnett,
Lancaster. Boardmembers absent (excused) were Lawton and Thede.
Staff Present: Barnes, Roy, Brayfield
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
of September 11, 1986 - Approved as Published
The minutes of the September 11, 1986 regular meeting were unanimously
approved.
Appeal # 1761 Section 118-43 (B), 118-43 (C), by Tony Stoddard. 320 N.
Loomis - Approved with Condition.
---The variance would reduce the required lot area from 6000 square feet
to 4900 square feet, and the lot width from 60 feet to 35 feet for a
new duplex in the RM zone.
Petitoner's statement of hardship: This lot is in the old part of town
and the previous structure burned down. The petitioner wishes to build
a new duplex on the lot which will meet all required setbacks. Nothing
can be built without a variance.
---Staff recommendation: None. This lot has some history that may be
helpful to the Board. On August 13, 1981, the Board considered a
similar variance for this property and the lots on either side. The
petitioner wanted to put duplexes on all three lots and the Board felt
that three duplexes in a row on small lots was too much for the
neighborhood. They consequently granted variances for only single
family dwellings. This decision was appealed to City Council and was
upheld. Consequently, single family dwellings were built on the
adjacent lots. Nothing was built on this lot, the variance expired and
the original petitioner sought another variance for a single family
dwelling on December 8, 1983. This variance was granted. On September
12, 1984 the original petitioner came back to the Board to ask for a
variance once again to allow a duplex on the lot. This time the
variance was approved. Nothing was ever built on the lot, so now a
different petitioner is asking for a duplex variance."
ZBA Minutes - Oct• r 9, 1986 •
Page 2
Three notices were returned, no letters were received.
Zoning Administrator Barnes reviewed the appeal., stating that the variance
had been tabled from the last meeting because the petitioner did not show
up. Mr. Barnes gave a brief history of the property and the requested
variance.
Petitioner Tony Stoddard, 2804 Swing Station Way, spoke in favor of the
variance. The proposed project would be an over/under duplex with two
parking spaces in the front and a two -car garage in the back. The front
yard would be paved with exposed aggregate to allow for parking in the
front.
Mr. Barnes stated that long term parking stalls could be downsized, and put
in the back if the Board was concerned with having so much pavement in the
front of the duplex.
Dora Gallegos, 748 Rocky Mountain Way, and Victoria Mestes, co -owners of a
neighboring property, spoke in opposition to the variance. They felt that
the duplex would add to the parking problem in the neighborhood. Most
people park on the street in front of their house, some park in the alley,
and people who attend activities at Holy Family Church all add to the
problem. They would not be opposed to a single family residence, but a
duplex would add to the problem.
Boardmember Barnett asked how the property was currently being used and if
there were any other duplexes in the same block. Mr. Stoddard said that
the lot was currently vacant, and that there were no other duplexes in the
same block, but he knew of a duplex one block away, on Maple Street.
Boardmember Walker asked if the driveways were typicallly in the front or
off the alley in this neighborhood. Mr. Barnes stated that most of the
driveways in the front of the houses were not used, people typically parked
on the street. Also, the 35 foot lot width was typical of this side of the
street.
Boardmember Walker requested that Mr. Barnes review for the Board what uses
were permissible in the RM zone. Mr. Barnes stated that single family
homes, duplexes, churches, schools, and multi -family (with P & Z approval)
were all allowed as use by right.
Boardmember Walker thought that dealing with the lot width was a reasonable
hardship. Reducing the lot area would be questionable because they were
planning to build a duplex on an already small lot. He was particularly
concerned that the large expanse of concrete in the front yard would not be
in keeping with the rest of the neighborhood. He suggested that Mr.
Stoddard consider putting one down -scaled parking stall in the front, and
three in the back, to preserve some of the front yard.
Mr. Stoddard replied that he had his heart set on the garage, and
questioned whether it would fit in the back if another parking space was
added.
ZBA Minutes - Oct
tl]6er 9, 1986
Page 3
Boardmember Barnett agreed with Mr. Walker's concerns. The minimum lot
area for a duplex... and a single family residence is 6000 square feet. He
would be more inclined to allow a single family dwelling on a lot this
size. He was against paving the whole front yard. He was in favor of
setting some condtions to the variance, if granted.
There was some discussion as to whether it would be possible to fit a
two -car garage and a parking, stall in back of the duplex. The Board
concluded that it was feasible, but a sideyard setback variance would be
needed to allow for a 22' garage.
Boardmember Walker made a motion to approve the variance for the hardship
stated with the condition that only one parking stall would be accessed off
the street, and the other three would be built in the back. The Board also
granted a variance to allow the garage to be set back three feet from the
sideyard. Boardmember Lieser seconded the motion. Yeas: Walker, Lieser,
Barnett, Lancaster. Nays: None.
Appeal # 1763 Section 118-41 (E), by John Miller, 313 Allen Street -
Approved with Condition.
---The variance would reduce the required rear yard setback for a detached
garage/workshop on a corner lot in the RL zone from 15 feet to 7 feet.
---Petitioner's statement of hardship: See petitioners letter.
---Staff recommendation: Approval if there are no objections from the
neighbors."
No notices were returned; two letters were received.
Petitioner John Miller, 313 Allen Street, spoke in favor of the appeal,
stating that he wanted to build a garage for a workshop with access off
Tulane. There would be a gravel drive to allow unloading wood at the shop.
The garage would not be used for vehicle storage, mainly for his
woodworking hobby. The woodshop would be a hobby, not a business.
No one spoke in opposition to the appeal.
Boardmember Barnett made a motion to grant the variance for the hardship
that it saves mature trees, and for the hardship stated, with the condition
that a home occupation not be conducted there. Boardmember Walker seconded
the motion. Yeas: Walker, Lieser, Barnett, Lancaster. Nays: None.
Appeal 111764 Section 118-97 (D), 118-97 (E), by Lloyd Gomez, 120 A West
Laurel - Approved with Conditions.
---The variance would allow a barber shop to have a revolving sign.
Specifically, the variance would allow an existing, traditional, red,
white, and blue barber pole sign to revolve. The barber shop is
located in the BG zone.
ZBA Minutes - Cc Ober 9, 1986
Page 4
---Petitioner's statement of hardship: The revolving barber pole is part
of Americana and shouldn't be prohibited. When the City recently
required the owner to shut the pole off, some of the customers thought
the store was not open, or had actually closed down. This small pole
which contains no wording, would not present any traffic hazard, nor
detract from the streetscape of the City if it were allowed to revolve.
---Staff recommendation: None. The petitioner's hardship would appear to
be that some people think if the pole is not revolving, then he is not
open because he has been in this location for a long time and clients
are accustomed to a revolving pole signifying that the shop is open for
business.
If the Board considers granting a variance, they should do so with
certain conditions, such as:
1. The pole must be attached to the building.
2. The pole can not be illuminated, and can revolve only during
business hours.
3. There can not be any writing on the revolving portion of the pole.
4. The pole can be used only in connection with a barber shop.
5. The pole can be no larger than the existing pole."
No notices were returned; two letters were received
Zoning Administrator Barnes gave a brief history of the Sign Code, stating
that up until 1979, revolving signs were allowed with certain restrictions.
In 1979 City Council modified the Sign Code to prohibit the use of
revolving signs. There are 8 or 9 barber poles in the city now, which were
required to be turned off at the time revolving signs were prohibited.
Petitioner Lloyd Gomez, owner of the barber shop at 120 A. West Laurel
Street, spoke in favor of the variance. He gave a brief history of the
barber pole, and stated that he felt that when the Code was enacted, it was
not meant to cover the barber pole. It was not a sign, but a tradition, a
professional signature. He felt that the City was concerned with keeping
what is old and beautiful. He felt that the barber pole is part of
traditional old Fort Collins, and is worth preserving. He stated further
that he was not aware that he was in violation of Code until he was
notified this year that the barber pole would have to be turned off. He
felt that if it took until 1986 discover this violation, he must not have
been doing anything terribly wrong.
Boardmember Walker pointed out that although the barber pole had been in
existence for many centuries, it was only in recent history that the pole
turned. Historically, the symbol of the barber was the pole, but not
necessarily revolving.
ZBA Minutes - Octer 9, 1986
Page 5
The Board found that there are about eight barber poles in town that have
the capacity to revolve. The Board was concerned that granting this
variance would set a precedence.
No one spoke in opposition to the variance.
Boardmember Lieser asked if the pole was lit. Mr. Gomez stated that his
pole had the capability to be lit, but he did not use it because a light
bulb would burn out after only a week inside the pole and it was a lot of
trouble to change. Also, for the majority of time a light is not
necessary.
Boardmember Walker thought that the barber pole was a symbol of the
profession rather than a sign for an individual commercial entity. He
felt that the barber pole has been around for a long time, but has been
revolving only in recent history. But he felt that it is reasonable
consideration, and any code has certain issues where the intent of the Code
is being met, although the letter of the Code is not being followed. He
did not have a problem in granting the variance.
Boardmember Barnett stated that the Board needs to be careful because if
the variance is granted, it will set a precedent. Moving signs have been
prohibited for good reasons; he would not like to see large moving and
flashing signs in Fort Collins. But not everyone is the same - the Board
needs to consider legitimate differences. The hardship comes down to
wanting the sign to revolve because it is culturally appropriate for a
barber pole and lets people know if he is open or not. That is not a real
big hardship. There is not a significant difference in the appearance of
the barber pole if it is rotating or not rotating. He did not have a
problem with granting a variance in this instance.
The Board stated that if other barbers wanted to have their poles rotate,
it would be considered on a case by case basis.
Boardmember Walker made a motion to approve the variance because it was a
cultural issue worth granting a varinacce for, with the following six
conditions: 1) that the pole be attached to the building, 2) it should
only revolve during business hours, 3) no writing is allowed on the pole,
4) it can only be used in connection with the barber shop, 5) the pole can
be no larger than the existing pole, 6) and that the variance is for the
specific pole that was presented to Board. Boardmember Barnett seconded
the motion. Yeas: Walker, Lieser, Barnett, Lancaster.
Boardmember Lancaster left the meeting at this point leaving members
Walker, Lieser, and Barnett.
Appeal #1765 Section 118-43 (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), by Les Charvat, 244
Park Street - Denied.
---The variance would reduce the required lot area from 7152 square feet
to 2500 square feet, the lot width from 60 feet to 50 feet, the front
yard setback from 15 feet to 2 feet 8 inches, the rear yard setback
ZBA Minutes - OcOer 9, 1986 •
Page 6
from 15 feet to 0 feet, and the street side setback along the north lot
line from 15 feet to 1 foot. The variances are requested to allow an
existing, illegal duplex in the RM zone to be brought up to code.
Petitioner's statement of hardship: The present owner got the property
back through foreclosure earlier this year. He sold the property in
1979 to someone who illegally converted the building into a duplex.
Prior to that time, the owner lived in the dwelling and had a small
grocery store in the front part of the building. The present owner has
inherited this "duplex" and would like to make it legal. The lot and
building are existing.
---Staff recommendation: None."
No notices were returned, one letter was received.
Zoning Administrator Barnes reviewed the appeal stating that historically,
the property had never been used as a single family dwelling. Until 1979,
the building had been used as a store with a residence in the back. It was
sold in 1979. and the new owner illegally converted it into a duplex. Now
Mr. Charvat has it back, and would like to legalize the duplex, which
requires some zoning variances, and would also require some remodeling to
comply with the building code. He is asking for a number of zoning
variances, however, after reviewing the appeal, Mr. Barnes found that the
lot area variance was actually from 6000 square feet to 2500 square feet.
(Rather than from 7152 square feet to 2500 square feet). There is an
outside entrance to the duplex on the south side, and the neighbor who
wrote the letter to the Zoning Board is requesting that a fence be put up
on this side of the property. The lot line is right on the side of the
house; it is a zero foot rear setback. The Code would require two parking
spaces because of the width of the lot. The existing garage appears to be
a one car garage.
Petitioner Les Charvat, 317 N. Pearl, stated that if the variance was
approved, he would widen the existing garage to accomodate two cars,
thereby satisfying the requirements for two off-street parking spaces. Mr.
Charvat stated that the units were two bedroom, but he was unsure of the
square footage of each unit. There is one unit in front, and one behind,
both are two-story. The 2384 sq. foot area does not include the garage.
Boardmember Lieser stated that a letter was received from a neighbor that
was separated from Mr. Charvat's property by only a nine foot sideyard, and
that she felt that the lot is extremely small for the building. Mr. Barnes
pointed out that this is an existing building. Mr. Charvat stated that the
building had been there since 1924. Mr. Barnes said that if the variance
was granted, it would have to brought up to current building standards, and
that Mr. Charvat had already contacted the Building Inspection Department.
Boardmember Walker asked about the size of the lot, wanting to know if the
back part of the lot was deeded off in past years. Mr. Charvat stated that
the lots were broken up that way from the beginning.
ZBA Minutes - Octer 9, 1986
Page 7
Boardmember Barnett asked Mr. Charvat when he learned that the building was
going to be converted into a duplex. Mr. Charvat stated that he did not
know about the illegal duplex until Mr. Michaud, an inspector told them
that no permits were applied for. It was about the time the building was
foreclosed. The buyers had several ideas as to what they were going to do
with the building, and represented themselves as contractors so Mr. Charvat
assumed that they would abide by the laws.
Mr. Barnes stated that Building Inspection Office was contacted by the
buyers shortly after they bought the property, about what they would need
to do to convert it. He explained about the Zoning Board and building
codes, but evidently they chose not to do that, and went ahead and
converted it illegally.
No one spoke in opposition to the variance.
Boardmember Walker stated that he did not agree with the argument that
somebody else made the illegal conversion, and therefore Mr. Charvat should
be able to legitimize the use. He felt that the Zoning Board of Appeals
should review the property in terms of its suitability as a duplex
irrespective of its history. He felt that the building was originally set
up as a traditional corner grocery store, and concerns such as backyards
and setbacks were not relevant at the time. Mr. Charvat was asking to
convert a building that was designed as a business structure into a living
structure, and he felt that the fact that there were so many variances was
a sign that they were trying to put too much on the lot. He felt that
there were better uses for the property. It would be more appropriate as a
home occupation. Zoning Administrator Barnes pointed out that although it
was designed as a corner grocery store, retail sales were not allowed as a
home occupation.
Boardmember Barnett stated his concern that it was a large building, but
much of the square footage was taken up by two parking spaces. The
upstairs is tiny, about a half -story. The units inside are small. There
is a tiny yard, with available parking for one unit. The other unit would
not have any outside space at all. Historically, zoning was for the
purpose of separating incompatible uses, and also to provide for open space
to the housing units immediately adjacent. He had some real problems with
legalizing a previously illegal activity.
Boardmember Walker made a motion to deny the variance for lack of hardship.
Boardmember Barnett seconded the motion. Yeas: Walker, Barnett. Nays:
Lieser.
Appeal 11 1766 Section 118-95 (A), by John Shaw, 808 Lemay Avenue -
Approved with Condition.
---The variance would allow a 47 square foot per face groundsign, which is
within 50 feet of a driveway, to be setback 0 feet instead of the
required 15 feet. The sign does not have free air space and advertises
a car wash in the C zone.
ZBA Minutes - Octer 9, 1986 •
Page 8
---Petitioner's statement of hardship: This is a new subdivision. When
it was approved, the City required that the owner dedicate an
additional 10 feet of right-of-way, thus the new property line is 20
feet behind the curb, so a 0 setback meets the intent of the code and
presents no traffic visibility hazards. If the sign were setback 15
feet, it would be hard to see because the building to the north is
built right up to the right-of-way and there are very large trees to
the south.
---Staff recommendation: Approval. The adjacent building and the trees
would make it hard to see a sign which is setback the required 15 feet
until a motorist is right on top of it. This could result in people
making sudden stops in traffic. The intent of the code is met since
the sign is setback 20 feet from the curb, allowing plenty of room for
exiting cars to see oncoming traffic. A condition should be placed on
the variance which requires that if Lemay should ever be widened, the
sign would have to be brought into compliance, or a new variance
obtained.
No notices were returned: no letters were received.
Zoning Administrator Barnes reviewed the variance stating that the property
is a vacant piece of property across from the new Albertson's on Lemay. The
building on the north actually encroaches on the right-of-way, and mature
trees block the view of the lot in question. In the process of subdividing
the land, the city required the dedication of additional right-of-way,
which moved the property line back to 20 feet east of the curb. Any sign
that met the setback requirements would be 35 feet from the curb. The
intent of the setback provision for groundsigns is to insure that adequate
site distance for on -coming traffic to eliminate traffic visibility
problem esists. The intent of the Code is met because of the distance of
the right-of-way from the street.
Petitioner John Shaw, of Shaw Sign and Lighting, stated that he did not
take variances lightly, and requests them as a last resort. He felt that
the proposed setback variance would still meet the intent of the Code, but
would solve his clients visibility problems. The sign is 15'8" high. A
freestanding sign had been considered, but it would have had to be about 20
feet tall, and they felt that this was too tall. The proposed sign is
15'8" high, and would be constructed of aluminum. It would be internally
illuminated, and two small exposed tubes of blue neon at the top and bottom
of the sign.
Boardmember Walker stated that part of the hardship was the fact that the
City required additional right-of-way. With the addtional right -of. -way,
the sign meets the intent of the Code. But at some point the City may want
to widen the street, which could create a problem. He would like to add a
condition that if Lemay ever gets widened, the sign would have to be
brought into compliance, or a new variance sought.
No one spoke in opposition to the variance.
ZBA Minutes - OC*er 9, 1986 •
Page 9
Boardmember Barnett felt that the hardship was that the lot was not wide,
and the neighboring properties tended to obscure visibility of the
property. He agreed that the sign would need to be reviewed if Lemay was
widened.
Boardmember Barnett made a motion to grant the variance for the hardship
pleaded, with the conditon that should Lemay Avenue be widened, the sign
would have to be brought into compliance with the Sign Code or a new
variance be obtained. Boardmember Walker seconded the motion. Yeas:
Walker, Lieser, Barnett. Nays: None.
Appeal 11 1767 Section 118-95 (A), 118-93 (B) (3), 118-95 (D), by John
Shaw, 2110 W. Elizabeth - Original Variance Denied, Modified
Variance Approved.
---The variance would allow a 40 square foot per face groundsign located
within 50 feet of a driveway to be setback 0 feet instead of 15 feet.
The sign contains no free air space. The variance would also increase
the sign allowance from 210 square feet to 257.20 square feet, and
allow the property to have two groundsigns instead of one, the menu
board for the drive -up lane being the second ground sign. The signs
are for a pizza restaurant in the BP zone.
Petitioner's statement of hardship: The owner would like to have a
groundsign to qualify for the bonus sign allowance, however the only
place to put one to mark the entrance is in an island which was
redesigned to accomodate the adjacent PUD, and is no longer deep enough
to allow a sign to be setback 15 feet. In order to meet the franchise
requirements for signage, and since the City counts the menu board as a
sign, a variance is requested to increase the signage. The menu board
is not visible from the street, but it is detached from the building,
and thus is a groundsign and a variance is needed to allow it. It
can't be attached to the building because the drive -up wouldn't
function properly.
Staff recommendation: Denial of the setback variance, denial of the
request to increase the sign allowance, approval of the request to
allow the menu board sign as a second freestanding sign.
There is some concern about traffic visibility if a ground sign is
located this close to the curb. There is some hardship because of the
size of the island for granting a setback variance, but not to 0 feet.
A suggestion would be to require the sign to be a freestanding sign
with free air space, and possibly reduce the required setback for a
sign this size from 11 feet to 5 feet. The 210 square feet of
allowance for this property applies only if all the signs are
individual letter signs and/or groundsigns. If the main sign along the
street is changed to a freestanding sign, then this "bonus" sign
allowance no longer applies, and the allowance would only be 140 square
feet. However, since the petitioner is attempting to comply with the
bonus requirements, but probably can't because of the size of the
island, some hardship exists to warrant increasing the allowance from
ZBA Minutes - Ocleer 9, 1986
Page 10
111
U
140 square feet to 210 square feet, but not to 257 square feet. The
variance to allow the menu board sign is a common variance granted to
drive -up restaurants, especially when the sign is not visible from the
street, as is the case here."
No notices were returned. No letters were received.
Zoning Administrator Barnes reviewed the appeal. He explained the bonus
sign allowance, and how it affected this property. He also stated that the
variance request for a second groundsign (a menu board sign) is a very
common variance request. The island in front of the property was deeper,
but had been revised to allow delivery trucks to access the property.
Petitioner John Shaw, of Shaw Sign 5 Lighting, and Tony Fonte, owner of
Little Caesar's Pizza, spoke in favor of the appeal, stating that they were
asking for the variance because the large landscaping to the east would
block the view of the signage if it is not close to the road, and in trying
to meet the requirements for the bonus sign allowance for up to 210 square
feet, they want to stay with a groundsign. They are asking for a menu
board as well.
Boardmember Leiser stated that she had no problem with the menu board, that
type of variance had been granted before for drive -through restaurants.
Ms. Lieser asked why the rest of the signage needed to be so large.
Owner Tony Fonte stated that part of their construction included
deceleration lanes to provide safer access to the PUD. Part of the project
closed up all of the curbs on the corner, so the Top Hat Car Wash access
will be through their driveway. By doing that, there will be a lot of
traffic coming around the curve into the Circle K area. He felt that a
groundsign will be a traffic hazard at that location. He didn't feel they
should be penalized for letting Circle K use the corner as access to their
property. They are asking for a free-standing sign on the corner to allow
visibility.
Boardmember Walker stated that he was asking for something other than the
design submitted to the Board. Mr. Shaw stated that the groundsign was
their first choice, but a freestanding sign would be the best for that
corner. (A copy of the new sign with free air space was then submitted to
the Board.) Boardmember Walker liked the idea of having a sign with free
air space for traffic safety. He agreed with staff that they should not be
penalized for the changes required by the PUD and he would be willing to
give them the bonus although a sign with free air space is being used
instead of a groundsign. He did have a problem with with granting more
that the 210 square foot sign allownce. He did not see the hardship,
other than the franchise requires more. Usually it goes back to the
franchise that the signs are not allowed in Fort Collins, and accomodations
are made.
Mr. Shaw stated that the additional sign allowance would be for two
reasons: the franchise required it, and because they did not realize that
the menu board sign was included in the total allowance since it was not
visible from the street.
7.BA Minutes - Oder 9, 1986 •
Page 11
Boardmember Leiser asked if the signs were coming from the franchise or
if they were to be manufactured in town. Mr. Shaw stated that it would
be built in town, so if necessary, the signs could be downsized to bring it
under 210 square feet including the menu board.
Boardmember Barnett felt that the hardship was that there was a need to
provide a freestanding sign because of traffic concerns and site distance,
and because of the way the island got squeezed, the groundsign couldn't be
done. He had no problem with giving the bonus because they tried to
comply, but couldn't because of the site configuration. He would not be
willing to go to 257 square feet. The menu board has always been included
in the total sign allowance.
Mr. Shaw would like to request a 0' setback for the freestanding sign
because there is no room on the island for the required 11 foot setback.
The Board discussed where the best place would be to locate the sign on the
island.
Mrs. Thelma Johnson, 2908 Eagle Drive, owner of the 2.5 acres west of the
project spoke. She wanted to know exacly where the sign would be and how
large it would be. Mr. Barnes showed her where it would be in relation to
her property and Mr. Shaw said that it would be about 13 feet tall..
Boardmember Barnett made a motion to deny the variance applied for, for the
purpose of reconstructing an appropriate variance. Yeas: Walker, Lieser,
Barnett. Nays: None.
Boardmember Walker made a motion to approve a variance to have a menu board
as a second ground sign, reduce the required setback for the proposed
freestanding sign from 11 feet to 5 feet, and to allow the applicant to
receive the bonus signage under the conditions that all other requirements
for bonus signage be met (other that the groundsign requirement) for a
total 210 square foot sign allowance. Boardmember Walker found the
hardship to be the traffic considerations that required changing from a
goundsign to a freestanding sign. Yeas: Walker, Lieser, Barnett. Nays:
None.
Appeal # 1768 Section 118-41 (E), 118-81 (C) (1), by Dale and Karen
Kirkley, 3020 W. Prospect - Approved for Home Occupation,
Setback Request Denied.
---The variance would reduce the required rear yard setback from 15 feet
to 5 feet for a garage addition to a single family dwelling in the RL
zone.
---Petitioner's statement of hardship: The owner would like to add on to
his existing garage in order to have a place to park a 26 foot motor
home and a pickup truck. The rear lot line is adjacent to an alley, so
the reduced setback will not adversely affect any adjacent property
owners.
---Staff recommendation: Denial of setback reduction. This is a fairly
deep lot, and there should be adequate room for vehicles to turn even
ZBA Minutes - OIL 9, 1986 •
Page 12
if the building is setback the required distance. Approval of the home
occupation request if there are no objections from the neighbors. It
appears that all of the properties west of this lot to Overland Trail
are operating a business from a detached garage. Also, right across
the street from this lot is a car wash, a 7-11, and a gas station. So
this would not exactly be out of keeping with this immediate
neighborhood.
No notices were returned; no letters were received.
Zoning Administrator Barnes stated that the property is located directly
across the street from a vacant lot, a car wash, and a gas station. The
proposal is to use the detached garage for a home occuaption, which is not
allowed under the Code. The garage would be in the rear of the property
and the lot is deep. There is large detached garage next door, being used
for a business, and another neighboring property is building used for a
ceramics business. Both were there before the properties were annexed into
the city.
Petitioner Karen Kirkly, 3020 W. Prospect, stated that they were applying
for the variance for three reasons, appearance, cleanliness, and
maneuvering the vehicles in the back. The garage will be used to store
roofing materials, which now tend to be stacked against the fence. The
five foot setback would still allow for the utility easement across the
back, but give an additional 10 feet for maneuvering vehicles. With a 7-11
close by they get a lot of trash. With less space in the back of the
garage there would be less trash to clean up. The garage will have two
doors, and a small office on the side. The doors will be on the south side
of the building. A narrow driveway will run adjacent to the old drive to
the back, and will widen out in front of the new garage to allow two
vehicles to pull in.
Boardmember Lieser felt that there was plenty of room for the 15 foot
setback and still have room to maneuver the vehicles. There would be 59
feet left, and the City's requirements for a turn -around for the large fire
trucks is 50 feet. Ms. Kirkly said they needed the room for large
dumptrucks, and some other vehicles to be stored there.
Zoning Administrator Barnes stated that exterior storage of materials and
equipment is not allowed for a home occupation. If the dumn truck is used
in connection with the business, it would not be allowed to be stored
outside of the building. If they wanted to store the vehicles on the
property they would have to ask for a variance to allow exterior storage.
Boardmember Walker stated that the intent of the home occupation is that
the property is to be used as a home first, and the business is conducted
secondly. The appearance of a residential neighborhood should be
maintained. Parking dumptrucks outside in the back yard detracts from the
residential character of the neighborhood, and is an illegal activity. Mr.
Walker told Mrs. Kirkley that they could be allowed in the garage, but if
the neighbors complain because of the storage of vehicles in the back
yard, she could be cited, and would have to quit the storage, or come
before the Board and request a variance.
ZBA Minutes - October 9. 1986
Page 13
Ms. Kirkly stated that the garage and vehicle storage is not contrary to
the character of the neighborhood as it already exists. She stated that
they were not planning on storing a lot of materials andequipment outside.
Building the garage would give her the use of her own garage and there will
not be materials in her backyard. Mr. Barnes stated that if the neighbors
have a complaint (about outside storage), the Zoning Office would have to
go out and make a correction notice.
Mr. Walker stated he could see no hardship to justify giving the setback
variance. Ms. Kirkly stated that another reason was that the 15 feet
behind the garage was wasted space - weeds will grow, trash will
accumulate. It could be used for other purposes. They would like to
retain as much of the lawn as possible, it is their home as well as their
business.
Boardmember Walker made a motion to grant the varince for a home occupation
to be conducted in a detached garage in the RL zone, and to deny the rear
vard setback variance. Boardmember Barnett seconded the motion. Yeas:
Walker, Lieser, Barnett. Nays: None.
Appeal 11769 Section 118-41, by Roy Price, 115 Circle Drive - Approved.
---The variance would reduce the required rear yard setback from 15 feet
to 5 feet for a garage addition to a single family dwelling in the RL
zone.
---Petitioner's statement of hardship: The owner would like to add on to
his existing garage in order to have a place to park a 26 foot motor
home and a pickup truck. The rear lot line is adjacent to an alley,
so the reduced setback will not adversely affect any adjacent property
owners.
---Staff recommendation: Approval if there are no objections from the
neighbors."
Zoning Administrator Barnes stated that the property was on the corner of
Circle Drive and Lake Street. The petitioner would like to add to an
existing single car garage to allow room for his motor home and a truck.
The rear of the property is adjacent to an alley so there is some
separation from where the proposed addition would be and the adjacent
property.
Petioner Roy Price, 115 Circle Drive, stated that the garage would be 15
feet tall, about 8 inches taller that the existing house. He would build
onto the existing garage, adding two stalls, with one peak covering all
three parking stalls. He would be adding another 21 feet from the existing
exterior wall.
Boardmember Barnett made a motion to approve the variance for the harship
stated. Boardmember Lieser seconded the motion. Yeas: Walker, Lieser,
Barnett. Nays: None.
ZBA Minutes - October 9, 1986
Page 14
Other Business: The Board decided to postpone the election of officers
until the November meeting.
Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Eva Lieser, Chairman
Peter Barnes, Staff Support
EL/PB/bb
September 19, 1986
To the Zoning Board of Appeals:
We, John and Donna Miller, owners of the property located at 313 Allen Street,
request a variance of the required 15' setback on the back (south) lot line to
a distance of a 7' setback. The purpose for the setback is to install an 18'x22'
pre-cut garage and wood workshop. The 7' setback would allow installation without
disturbing one apple tree and one ash tree. The 15' setback would require the
removal of both trees in order to have access to a garage door from Tulane Dr.
The 7' setback will also provide a 15' clearance between the new garage and
patio roof. A more pleasing appearance and useable backyard will also be
obtained with the 7' setback. The 6' utility easement in the back will also
be clear of obstructions with a 7' setback.
/ 2, /' " / ��14" �Ll,
Jo,fifi Miller
RECEIVED OCT
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CITY OFOR
COLLIN�
3oe
OFFICE OF EUILD 1G INSPECTION
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Date September 30, 1986
�uZ
NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE :v,uRANOeCOMPANY
LEGAL NOTICE
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i7
The purpose of this letter is to
inform you of a
request for a mooiucatlon of
the Zoning Code of the City of Fort
Collins.
The procedure for a person requesting a modification of the Zoning Code is to
make application and appear before the Zoning Board of Appeals. This Board
has been established to hear cases, where by reason of exceptional situations
or conditions, the strict application of the regulation in the Zoning Code of the
City of Fort Collins would result in exceptional practical difficulties or exceptional
undue hardship upon the owner of such property, provided that the granting of
a variance would not result in a substantial detriment to the public mood.
A variance of
Code Sec - -97 (D)& (E)
has been requ s e by: Lloyd Gomez,
for the following described property 120 A !-Jest Laurel
The variance would allow a barber shop to have a revolving sign. Snecifically,
the variance would allow an xisting, traditional, red, white, & blue barber
pole sign to revolve. The b rber shop is located in the 3G zone.
This item will appear on the Zoning Board of Appeals agenda as Appeal No. 1764
As an adjacent proper y owner, your input would be appropriate in the
consideration of the var� rice request.
The hearing on this a peal will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 9, 1986
300 West Laporte . venue. Those interested may appear at this meeting, or if
unable to attend y submit comments in writing. Meeting sites are generally
accessible to hand' apped persons. If you are disabled and need special assistance
to participate, ple se call 221-6760.
If you have any or comments, feel free to contact Peter Barnes, Zoning
Administrato1r t 221-6160.
Peter Barnes, Zoning Administrator
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OFFICE OF
BUILDING INSPECTION '
3DO L. iPorte Ave . PO. 61
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FkS-: Fort Collins. Colorad❑ 0522� 1303) 221-6760
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